Electric Seismic Vibrator Linear Motor Impulse
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current seismic sources, such as hydraulic reciprocating vibrators, face limitations in delivering sufficient power at high frequencies due to hydraulic flow limitations and cavitation effects, and struggle to generate low-frequency waves with adequate amplitude, making them inefficient for seismic prospecting.
Innovation Solution
An electrically powered seismic source utilizing a grid of linear electric motors that deliver coordinated impulses to the ground, providing a broad frequency spectrum of seismic energy by using a diesel engine and battery-powered electric system to drive the motors, allowing for high-frequency energy transfer without hydraulic limitations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If hydraulic reciprocating vibrators are used to deliver seismic energy, then low-frequency waves can be generated with adequate travel, but sufficient power at high frequencies cannot be provided due to hydraulic flow limitations and cavitation effects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the hydraulic mechanical system with an electric linear motor system. The electric motors directly drive the baseplate without hydraulic fluid, eliminating cavitation effects and hydraulic flow limitations. This substitution enables sufficient power delivery at high frequencies while maintaining the ability to generate low-frequency waves through coordinated motor operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental operating parameters by using electric motors that can independently control force and frequency across the entire spectrum. Unlike hydraulic systems constrained by fluid dynamics, the electric linear motors can deliver full power at any frequency within their operational range, transforming the power-frequency characteristic curve to achieve both high-frequency power and low-frequency displacement.
2Speed
If hydraulic rams operate at very high hydraulic velocities to provide high-frequency energy, then cavitation effects occur that limit the amplitude of movement, but without high velocity sufficient high-frequency power cannot be delivered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes electric linear motors for hydraulic rams, eliminating the need for high-velocity hydraulic fluid flow. The electric motors directly generate force at the required frequencies without experiencing cavitation, maintaining full amplitude of baseplate movement while delivering high-frequency energy effectively.
3Duration of action of moving object
If a very long throw of the reaction mass is used to generate low-frequency waves, then the one-second wave period can be achieved, but the device complexity and size increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the hydraulic reaction mass system with electric linear motors that directly control baseplate displacement. The motors can produce the required low-frequency wave periods through controlled activation cycles rather than requiring physically long travel distances, significantly reducing device complexity while maintaining the ability to generate 1 Hz and lower frequency waves.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution enables efficient delivery of seismic energy across a wide frequency range, from 1 Hz to 120 Hz, with the potential for higher frequencies, effectively illuminating geophysical structures and overcoming the limitations of hydraulic systems in seismic prospecting.
Implementation Method 1
an electrically powered seismic source is provided that has a plurality of linear electric motors where a ground contact element of the linear electric motor is provided in proximity with the ground
Implementation Method 2
The ground contact elements of linear electric motors are driven in a coordinated impulse against the ground to deliver a single impulse against the ground
Data Source
AI summary
The invention is an electric seismic vibrator source of the type used in seismic prospecting for hydrocarbons that creates a quasi-impulsive burst of seismic energy onto the ground and into the earth. The source uses an engine and generator combination to create electric power for all systems on the source such as driving a frame of linear electric motors that direct a rod or piston to contact the ground. All of the linear electric motors are driven against the ground in a high power pulse that delivers a band-limited spectrum of seismic energy over a very brief period of time that would like a “pop” and be measured in milliseconds. A quasi-impulsive seismic pulse would create a wave field that resembles the seismic data acquired using dynamite or other explosive seismic systems without the ultrahigh frequencies of a true explosive pulse. The quick burst or several quick bursts may further speed up the survey by minimizing the time that a vibe spends on a source point.